Flash synchronizing device

ABSTRACT

A camera has a shutter which may also constitute a diaphragm. In a multi-flash mode the shutter selectively has a maximum aperture at an onset or at the end of the time base. The flash occurs in synchronism with a shutter waveform shaped by this aperture area and a time base element. In a second embodiment, a second diaphragm setting circuit is provided, in diaphragm priority photography, for computing a measurement value of a distance to a subject and a second diaphragm value from the guide number during an emission of flashed light. The diaphragm is set to the computed second diaphragm value, ad an electronic flash is energized with a desired aperture area. The diaphragm is set to an initial value to effect the photography at a time other than during the emission of flashed light. A timing circuit may be provided for setting the diaphragm to the second diaphragm value. The aperture area may be increased or decreased for diaphragm matching with the quantity of flashed light and the distance to the subject during diaphragm priority flash photography.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a flash synchronizing device. Oneembodiment of the invention is directed more particularly to theprovision of a flash synchronizing device, in a camera with amulti-flash function, in which one of flashes is synchronized with themaximum value of the diaphragm. In another embodiment of the invention,a subject is properly irradiated with the flashed light when effectingdiaphragm priority photographing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, when a flash synchronizing device is provided in a camerawith a multi-flash function, a constant amount of light from the flashis emitted a plurality of times, in synchronization with shutteroperations. The plurality of light emissions are effected atsubstantially equal intervals with respect to the time base, and areindependent of the size of the aperture area of the shutter. For thisreason, an average flash effect is obtained. The exposure quantity isthe same for all portions of the picture, however, resulting in suchdrawbacks that vividness is not apparent in the photographed picture,and the photo is hard to see.

Elements for determining an exposure for taking a photo are the filmsensitivity, the shutter speed, the diaphragm and the brightness of asubject. If the film sensitivity and the brightness of the subject aredetermined, a proper exposure value can be determined. Automaticexposure (AE) control is effected by setting the shutter speed and thediaphragm value so that a proper exposure C has an exposure value basedon the subject luminance E, a film ASA sensitivity S, a diaphragm valueF and an exposure time T.

Under AE control, the selection by the camera of the shutter speed, thediaphragm, or all the elements depends upon the purpose of thephotograph. When subjects are selected for which the depth of field mustbe enhanced, e.g., still-life photography, group photography (the depthof focus is needed) and a portrait (the background is out of focus whiledecreasing the depth), diaphragm priority AE is preferable. If thephotographer sets the diaphragm value, or if, alternatively thediaphragm value is determined from a result of measuring the distance tothe subject, the shutter speed is automatically set.

On the other hand, a flashmatic mechanism in which the camera interlockswith the electronic flash is a mechanism for controlling, whenirradiation distance varies, the diaphragm value interlocking therewithon the basis of GN (guide number) =F·D expressed as a product of adiaphragm value indicating a light quantity of the flash and theirradiation distance D (to the subject).

For controlling the proper exposure by interlocking the flash with AE ofthe camera, the guide number of the flash is set, and thereafter thediaphragm is automatically adjusted simply by adjusting the distance.

The above-described flashmatic mechanism includes an auto-flashmaticmechanism constructed to emit no light when the natural light sufficesfor an exposure quantity of the subject but automatically emit the lightunder such conditions that a blur would otherwise caused due to anambient darkness.

When the photographer selects diaphragm priority photography under autoexposure control including the flashmatic mechanism, and if a constantguide number is set, it follows that the photographing distance isrestricted by the selected diaphragm. A quantity of transmitted lightwhich corresponds to the subject distance is not controlled, resultingin a photo with an improper exposure quantity in some cases.

Further, it is impossible to select an emission timing of emitted light.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to overcome the above-describeddrawbacks, and to provide a flash synchronizing device capable ofobtaining a vivid photo by providing a maximum diaphragm valuesynchronizing flash means for synchronization with the maximum diaphragmvalue, and enhancing an image of a subject when photographing a movingsubject by the multi-flash.

To accomplish this object, according to the present invention, a flashsynchronizing device is provided comprised of a shutter serving as adiaphragm, a multi-flash means for effecting a plurality of flashesduring a period from a start of exposure of the shutter to the endthereof, and a maximum diaphragm value synchronizing flash means bywhich one of the flashes synchronizing with the diaphragm values by themulti-flash means is synchronized with the maximum diaphragm value.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a flash synchronizingdevice capable of effecting proper flash photography corresponding tothe distance from the flash to a subject even when performing diaphragmpriority photography, further selecting an emission timing of theflashed light and taking photos exhibiting different effects.

In order to accomplish this latter object, according to the presentinvention, a flash synchronizing device comprises a photometric meansfor measuring a brightness of a subject, a focusing means for measuringthe distance to the subject, an exposure quantity setting means forsetting an exposure quantity from a diaphragm value obtained by thephotometric means or a diaphragm value predetermined by thephotographer, and a flash control means for operating an electronicflash. A second diaphragm setting means is provided for computing asecond diaphragm value from the distance measured by the focusing meansand from a light quantity of the electronic flash and further outputtingthe second diaphragm value to the exposure quantity setting means and byoperating the flash control means in synchronization with the seconddiaphragm value.

The diaphragm value is selected by the photographer or by the exposuresetting means as an exposure quantity from a subject brightness measuredby the photometric means. If the exposure quantity set by the exposuresetting means is sufficient by comparing it with a predeterminedexposure quantity needed for the subject, a shutter driving means forreleasing the shutter is operated. In the event of an underexposure, theexposure setting means operates the second diaphragm setting means forcomputing the second diaphragm value from the guide number of theelectronic flash and the subject distance measured by the focusingmeans. The diaphragm is set to the second diaphragm value computed bythe second diaphragm setting means. The electronic flash is flashed bythe flash control means. The light is emitted from the electronic flashin synchronization with a timing at which the shutter is released toopen the aperture; or the aperture is closed after an exposure time haselapsed. The diaphragm is returned to the diaphragm value set by theexposure setting means during an exposure time for which no light isemitted from the electronic flash. For this reason, even if diaphragmpriority photography is being used and when the subject is irradiatedwith the flashed light, an image with a proper exposure quantity isobtained by securing the diaphragm value corresponding to thephotographing distance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, it will nowbe disclosed in greater detail with reference to the accompanyingdrawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a flashsynchronizing device according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the flashsynchronizing device according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a characteristic diagram of the flash synchronizing device ofthis invention;

FIG. 4 is a characteristic diagram of the flash synchronizing device ofthis invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a picture photographed by theflash synchronizing device of this invention;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the invention,in which a flash synchronizing device is employed;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a relation between an emission timing offlashed light and an aperture area in accordance with the embodimentshown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a relation between the emission timing offlashed light and the aperture area in accordance with the embodimentshown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a relation between the emission timing offlashed light and the aperture area in accordance with the embodimentshown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a relation between the emission timing offlashed light and the aperture area in accordance with the embodimentshown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a relation between the emission timing offlashed light and the aperture area in accordance with the embodimentshown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a relation between the emission timing offlashed light and the aperture area in accordance with the embodimentshown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a relation between the emission timing offlashed light and the aperture area in accordance with the embodimentshown in FIG. 6; and

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a relation between the emission timing offlashed light and the aperture area in accordance with the embodimentshown in FIG. 6.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of a flash synchronizing device according to the presentinvention will hereinafter be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 1-5. In the flash synchronizing device of this invention, asillustrated in FIG. 1, a multiflash selecting switch SW₂ is mounted onan upper surface of a body 1 incorporating a multi-flash function.Further, in addition to the multi-flash selecting switch SW₂, a liquidcrystal display unit 8, a release button 11 and a program selectingswitch SW₁ are mounted on the upper surface of the body. An AF unit 3comprising a light receiving module 5 and a light emitting module 4, afinder 6 and an electronic flash 7, are provided on the front surface ofthe body 1. The body 1 is also equipped with a lens barrel 2.

The light receiving module 5 and the light emitting module 4 of the AFunit 3 are, as depicted in FIG. 2, connected to a CPU 20 via an AFinterface 14 incorporating an A/D converting function and anelectrooptical converting function. The program selecting switch SW₁ andthe multi-flash selecting switch SW₂ are also connected to the CPU 20.When the program selecting switch SW₁ is depressed with a light touch, ashutter speed priority mode, a diaphragm priority mode and an optimumexposure combination mode are sequentially selected under the programcontrol. The selected program control is displayed on the liquid crystaldisplay unit 8. When the multi-flash selecting switch SW₂ is depressedwith a light touch, a single flash mode, a #1 multi-flash mode and a #2multi-flash mode are sequentially selected. The selected positions aredisplayed on the liquid crystal display unit 8. The #1 multi-flash modeis a mode in which the flash is synchronized with a program AE such thatan aperture area comes to the maximum at an initial time, while the #2multi-flash mode is a mode in which the flash is synchronized with aprogram AE such that the aperture area comes to the maximum at an end ofthe time base.

The release button 11 connected to the CPU 20 serves as a 2-stepoperation switch. A battery switch 16 is closed by a one-step operationwith the result that a battery 15 is connected to the CPU 20. When thebattery 15 is connected to the CPU 20, photometric and focusingoperations are effected by an optical unit in the light receiving module5 and the light emitting module 4 of the AF unit 3. An arithmeticcircuit in the CPU 20 computes photometric and focusing data. The CPU 20controls the shutter aperture 12 and a lens 2a of the lens barrel 2through a shutter lens drive 13 on the basis of the arithmetic results.

The CPU 20 further incorporates a maximum diaphragm value synchronizingflash program by which the synchronizing flash takes place at the startor end of the photographing. When executing the maximum diaphragm valuesynchronizing flash program, a proper exposure is produced due toflashing at such a position that the aperture area of the shutter islarge; and an underexposure is effected when the light is flashed atother times since the aperture area is smaller at such other times.

In the flash synchronizing device described above, when manipulating themulti-flash selecting switch SW2 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 with alight touch and half-depressing the release button 11 after selectivelysetting switch SW2 in the #2 multi-flash mode, the display unit 8displays an indication of commencing a shutter opening/closing operationwherein aperture area is maximized at the end of the time base.Subsequently, when fully depressing the release button 11, theelectronic flash 7 flashes in synchronism with the shutteropening/closing operation. Upon flashing of the electronic flash 7,irradiation of luminous fluxes FL₁ -FL₄ illustrated in FIG. 4 take placein synchronization with the shutter waveforms shaped by a time base TXof the X axis and a shutter aperture area WY of the Y axis. For thisreason, in a photographed picture, as depicted in FIG. 5, the optimumflash is developed in the traveling direction of a moving subject,thereby enhancing the luminous flux FL₄. The luminous fluxes FL₁, FL₂,FL₃ are subjected to underexposure. Further, When enhancing a firstimage of the moving subject in the traveling direction, the position ofthe multi-flash selecting switch SW2 is selectively set to a #1multi-flash position. FIG. 3 illustrates the shutter waveform in thiscase.

The flash synchronizing device according to the present invention iscomprised of a shutter serving as a diaphragm, a multi-flash means foreffecting a plurality of flashes during a period from a start ofexposure of the shutter capable of controlling a plurality of diaphragmvalues to the end thereof, and a maximum diaphragm value synchronizingflash means by which one of flashes synchronized with the diaphragmvalues by the multi-flash means is synchronized with the maximumdiaphragm value among a series of diaphragm values of the shutter. As aconsequence, a vivid photo is advantageously obtained with enhancedimages when photographing the moving subject by the multi-flash.

In the above described system, in a #2 multi-flash mode, when anelectronic flash depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 flashes, irradiation ofluminous fluxes FL₁ -FL₄ illustrated in FIG. 4 occurs in synchronismwith shutter waveforms shaped by a time base TX of the X axis and ashutter aperture area WY of the Y axis. For this reason, in aphotographed picture, as depicted in FIG. 5, the optimum flash isdeveloped in the traveling direction of a moving subject, therebyenhancing the luminous flux FL4. The luminous fluxes FL₁, FL₂, FL₃ aresubjected to underexposure. In order to enhance the last picture of themoving subject in the traveling direction, the position of a multi-flashselecting switch SW2 is selectively set to a #2 multi-flash position.FIG. 4 illustrates a shutter waveform in this case. Further, in order toenhance the first image of the moving subject in the travelingdirection, the position of the multi-flash selecting switch SW₂ isselectively set to a #1 multi-flash position. FIG. 3 illustrates theshutter waveform in this case.

Referring now to the block diagram of FIG. 6, a camera 21 for effectingdiaphragm priority photographing includes a light receiving module (notillustrated having light receiving elements PSD for receiving reflectedlight which has been emitted towards a subject. The camera is alsoprovided with a focusing circuit 22 defined as a focusing means formeasuring the distance to the subject from the light informationreceived by the light receiving module. The camera 21 is furtherprovided with a photometric circuit 23 defined as a photometric meansfor measuring a brightness of the subject from the light informationreceived by photometric elements SPD, and with an exposure quantitysetting circuit 24 defined as an exposure quantity setting means towhich the brightness of the subject are inputted together with theinformation relating to the distance to the subject, of the focusingcircuit 22. The exposure quantity setting circuit 24 computes anexposure time by inputting diaphragm information of a mode selectingmeans 26 for selecting diaphragm photographing or a diaphragm value setby a manual diaphragm setting means 25 from the exposure quantitytogether with an exposure index, etc. as a film characteristic inputtedfurther thereto. The system further comprises shutter control circuit29, defined as a shutter control means for operating a shutter 27 and adiaphragm 28 by transmitting a drive signal in the event of an exposurequantity appropriate to photographing of the subject from thearithmetically obtained exposure time. The camera 21 also includes aflash synchronizing device 213 comprised of a second diaphragm settingcircuit 210 controlled by the exposure quantity setting circuit 24 inorder to effect flash photographing in the event of an underexposure forthe exposure time obtained by the exposure quantity setting circuit 24and of a flash control circuit 212 defined as a flash control means forinputting a synchronizing light emitting signal S from the shuttercontrol circuit 29. The second diaphragm setting circuit 210 inputs thedistance to the subject from the focusing circuit 22 and therebycomputes a second diaphragm value F2 from a guide number. The seconddiaphragm value F2 computed by the second diaphragm setting circuit 210is inputted to the exposure quantity setting circuit 24, whereby thediaphragm 28 is set to the second diaphragm value F2 by the shuttercontrol circuit 29. Then in response to the synchronizing light emittingsignal S, the flash control circuit 212 induces an emission of light byan electronic flash (hereinafter referred to as a flash) 211 including axenon discharge tube. When effecting diaphragm priority photography bythe use of the thus fabricated camera 21, the light receiving modulereceives the light with which the subject is irradiated. The focusingcircuit 22 thereby obtains the distance to the subject, while thephotometric circuit 23 obtains the brightness of the subject. When thephotographer manually sets the diaphragm 28, the information from thediaphragm setting means 25 is inputted to the exposure quantity settingcircuit 24 together with the distance to the subject and the brightnessthereof. Alternatively, when selecting diaphragm priority photography,the information from the mode selecting means 26 may be inputted to thecircuit 24. The exposure quantity setting circuit 24 sets the exposuretime from the exposure quantity as well as from the diaphragm value. Ifthe exposure quantity predetermined from the brightness of the subjectis sufficient, the shutter control circuit 29 sets the diaphragm 28 to aset value to provide a desired aperture area, whereby the exposurequantity setting circuit 24 operates the shutter 28 at such a time as toobtain a proper exposure quantity. In the case of an underexposure, theexposure quantity setting circuit 24 operates the flash control circuit212 by an output of the photometric circuit 23, thus effecting flashphotography.

When effecting flash photography, the second diaphragm setting circuit210 inputs a subject distance D measured by the focusing circuit 22 inresponse to the drive signal of the exposure quantity setting circuit24, thereby obtaining a second diaphragm value F2 from the guide number.Immediately, the diaphragm 28 is changed from the diaphragm value FImanually set or arithmetically set by the exposure quantity settingcircuit 24 to the second diaphragm value F2 through the shutter controlcircuit 29, thus changing the aperture area. The synchronizing lightemitting signal S is output to the flash control circuit 212. Asillustrated in FIG. 7, if the quantity of the flashed light isinsufficient with the set diaphragm value F1, the aperture area isexpanded from S1 to S2, resulting in a large aperture. When reaching thedesired aperture area S2, the flash 11 is flashed, and the aperture areais again contracted from S2 down to S1. The diaphragm value is returnedto F1, and the flash photography is controlled by a triangular waveform.Further, as depicted in FIG. 8, the aperture area is expanded from S1 toS2, and after a desired time has elapsed, the light is emitted from thedischarge tube of the flash 211. The flash photography may be controlledby a trapezoidal waveform to return the diaphragm value to F1.

If the quantity of flashed light is over that required for the setdiaphragm value F1, and when the subject is close in the event ofcounter-light, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the diaphragm 28 is set to thediaphragm value F1 by the shutter control circuit 29, and the aperturearea is set thereby to S1. Upon reaching the aperture area S2--i.e., asmall aperture--corresponding to the diaphragm value F2 in the course ofthis process, the flash 211 is energized. Subsequently, the diaphragmvalue is set to F1 by changing the aperture area from S2 to S1. Further,as illustrated in FIG. 10, setting of the aperture area is ended with S2corresponding to the second diaphragm value F2 After the desired time thas passed, the light is emitted from the flash 211. The aperture areais set to S1 corresponding to the diaphragm value F1, whereby the flashphotography may be controlled by the trapezoidal waveform.

The second diaphragm setting circuit 210 may include a timing circuit bywhich the diaphragm 28 can be set to the second diaphragm value F2 at adesired time. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the aperture area isexpanded from S1 to S2 to obtain the second diaphragm value F2 in thelatter period of exposure, and that is controlled by the triangularwaveform. When the desired aperture area S2 is thus reached, the flash211 can be energized. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 12, the aperturearea is expanded from S1 to S2 to obtain the second diaphragm value F2in the latter period of exposure, and that is controlled by thetrapezoidal waveform. After the desired time it has elapsed, the flashphotographing can be also effected in accordance with the timing circuitfor causing an emission of light from the flash 211. In the case of anover-exposure exposure caused by the flashed light, as illustrated inFIG. 13, similarly the aperture area is diminished from S1 down to S2 toobtain the second diaphragm value F2 in the latter period of exposure.The flash 211 is energized when the desired aperture area S2 isattained. Alternatively, as depicted in FIG. 14, the aperture area isdiminished from S1 down to S2 to obtain the second diaphragm value F2 inthe latter period of exposure, and that is controlled by the trapezoidalwaveform. After the desired time t has passed, the flash photography canbe also performed in accordance with the timing circuit for causing theemission of light from the flash 211.

In a embodiment discussed above, the shutter and a diaphragm areprovided, however, the triangular and trapezoidal waveforms may becontrolled by constructing the shutter to also serve as the diaphragm.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment described above.Variations based on the concept of the present invention are,accordingly, possible.

As is obvious from the description given above, the flash synchronizingdevice of the present invention incorporates a second diaphragm settingmeans for setting to the second diaphragm corresponding to the distanceto the subject when emitting the flashed light via the set diaphragmeven when effecting diaphragm priority photographing. The flashed lightwith which the subject is irradiated is emitted in synchronism with thediaphragm value thereof. A photo with a proper exposure can be therebyobtained. In addition, the depth of field becomes a greater because ofthe diaphragm priority photographing. A photo is obtained in which notonly the subject, but also the background, are well focused. Photosexhibiting different effects can be taken by selecting the execution inthe early period or in the latter period of the timing exposure timebased on the emission of flashed light.

While the invention has been disclosed and described with reference to asingle embodiment, it will be apparent that variations and modificationmay be made therein, and it is therefore intended in the followingclaims to cover each such variation and modification as falls within thetrue spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A flash synchronizing device comprising a shutterserving as a diaphragm, a multi-flash means for effecting a plurality offlashes during a period from a start of a single exposure by saidshutter to the end thereof, means for setting said diaphragm to a seriesof different diaphragm values during said period, including a maximumdiaphragm value, and a maximum diaphragm value synchronizing flash meansfor synchronizing one of the flashes of said multi-flash means with thetime of occurrence of said maximum diaphragm value of said series duringsaid period, at least one other of said plurality of flashes occurringat a time other than the time of occurrence of said maximum diaphragmvalue.
 2. In a flash synchronizing device comprising a photometric meansfor measuring a brightness of a subject, a focusing means for measuringthe distance to said subject, an exposure quantity setting means forsetting an exposure quantity from a first diaphragm value obtained bysaid photometric means or predetermined by a user, a flash control meansfor operating an electronic flash a first time during a period from astart of a single exposure by the shutter to the end thereof, theimprovement wherein said device further comprises a second diaphragmsetting means for computing a second diaphragm value from the distancemeasured by said focusing means and from a light quantity of saidelectronic flash and for setting said second diaphragm value during saidperiod, means for outputting the second diaphragm value to said exposurequantity setting means, and means for operating with flash control meansa second time in synchronization with the time of occurrence of saidsecond diaphragm value during said period.
 3. A flash synchronizingdevice comprising a shutter serving as a diaphragm, a multi-flash meansfor effecting a plurality of flashes during a period from a start of asingle exposure by said shutter to the end thereof, means for settingsaid diaphragm to a series of different diaphragm values during saidperiod, including a maximum diaphragm value, and a maximum diaphragmvalue synchronizing flash means for synchronizing one of the flashes ofsaid multi-flash means with the time of occurrence of said maximumdiaphragm value of said series during said period, at least one other ofsaid plurality of flashes occurring at a time other than the time ofoccurrence of said maximum diaphragm value, said means for setting saiddiaphragm comprising means for setting said diaphragm to said maximumvalue at the beginning of said period, whereby said one flash occurs atthe beginning of said period.
 4. A flash synchronizing device comprisinga shutter serving as a diaphragm, a multi-flash means for effecting aplurality of flashes during a period from a start of a single exposureby said shutter to the end thereof, means for setting said diaphragm toa series of different diaphragm values during said period, including amaximum diaphragm value, and a maximum diaphragm value synchronizingflash means for synchronizing one of the flashes of said multi-flashmeans with the time of occurrence of said maximum diaphragm value ofsaid series during said period, at least one other of said plurality offlashes occurring at a time other than the time of occurrence of saidmaximum diaphragm value, said means for setting said diaphragmcomprising means for setting said diaphragm to said maximum value at theend of said period, whereby said one flash occurs at the end of saidperiod.
 5. The flash synchronizing device of claim 2 wherein said meansfor setting said second diaphragm value comprises means for setting adiaphragm value that is greater than all other diaphragm values duringsaid period.
 6. The flash synchronizing device of claim 5 wherein saidmeans for setting said second diaphragm value comprises means forsetting said second diaphragm value to occur at the start of saidperiod.
 7. The flash synchronizing device of claim 5 wherein said meansfor setting said second diaphragm value comprises means for setting saidsecond diaphragm value to occur at the end of said period.
 8. The flashsynchronizing device of claim 2 wherein said means for setting saidsecond diaphragm value comprises means for setting said second diaphragmvalue to be less than other diaphragm values during said period.
 9. In aflash synchronizing device for a camera having a shutter that alsoserves as a diaphragm, means for opening said shutter and controllingthe diaphragm value thereof from the start of an exposure to the endthereof, a flash means, and means for controlling said flash means toproduce a flash during said exposure, the improvement wherein said meansfor opening and controlling said shutter comprises means for controllingthe diaphragm value to have a plurality of different values during saidexposure, and said means for controlling said flash means comprisesmeans for synchronizing said flash with the occurrence of apredetermined one of said diaphragm values or of a diaphragm valuepredetermined by a user and means for controlling said flash means toflash at another time during said exposure at which the diaphragm valueis different than said predetermined one value.
 10. The flashsynchronizing device of claim 9 wherein said means for controlling saiddiaphragm comprises means for setting said predetermined one of saiddiaphragm values to have a maximum value greater than all otherdiaphragm values thereof during said exposure.
 11. In a flashsynchronizing device for a camera having a shutter that also serves as adiaphragm, means for opening said shutter and controlling the diaphragmvalue thereof from the start of an exposure to the end thereof, a flashmeans, and means for controlling said flash means to produce a flashduring said exposure, the improvement wherein said means for opening andcontrolling said shuttered comprises means for controlling the diaphragmvalue to have a plurality of different values during said exposure, andsaid means for controlling said flash means comprises means forsynchronizing said flash with the occurrence of a predetermined one ofsaid diaphragm values or of a diaphragm value predetermined by a userand means for controlling said flash means to flash at another timeduring said exposure at which the diaphragm value is different than saidpredetermined one value, said means for controlling said diaphragmcomprises means for setting said predetermined one of said diaphragmvalues to have a maximum value greater than all other diaphragm valuesthereof during said exposure, said predetermined one of said diaphragmvalues occurring at the start of said exposure.
 12. In a flashsynchronizing device for a camera having a shutter that also serves as adiaphragm, means for opening said shutter and controlling the diaphragmvalue thereof from the start of an exposure to the end thereof, a flashmeans, and means for controlling said flash means to produce a flashduring said exposure, the improvement wherein said means for opening andcontrolling said shutter comprises means for controlling the diaphragmvalue to have a plurality of different values during said exposure, andsaid means for controlling said flash means comprises means forsynchronizing said flash with the occurrence of a predetermined one ofsaid diaphragm values or of a diaphragm value predetermined by a userand means for controlling said flash means to flash at another timeduring said exposure at which the diaphragm value is different than saidpredetermined one value, said means for controlling said diaphragmcomprises means for setting said predetermined one of said diaphragmvalues to have a maximum value greater than all other diaphragm valuesthereof during said exposure, said predetermined one of said diaphragmvalues occurring at the end of said exposure.
 13. The flashsynchronizing device of claim 9 wherein said camera has a photometricmeans for measuring brightness of a subject and a focusing means formeasuring the distance to said subject, said means for opening andcontrolling said shutter comprising means for setting said diaphragm toa first diaphragm value during a first part of said exposure, means forsetting said diaphragm to a second diaphragm value during another partof said exposure, said second diaphragm value being dependent upon thedistance measured by said focusing means or set by a user and the lightquantity of said flash means, said means for controlling said flashmeans comprising means for synchronizing said flash when said diaphragmis set to said second diaphragm value.
 14. The flash synchronizingdevice of claim 13 wherein said first diaphragm value is less than saidsecond diaphragm value.
 15. The flash synchronizing device of claim 13wherein said first diaphragm value is greater than said second diaphragmvalue.